Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Seattle, WA

Of course. Here is a comprehensive career guide for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) considering a move to Seattle, WA.

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The Salary Picture: Where Seattle Stands

If you're an LPN looking at Seattle, you're entering a solid market. While Seattle's cost of living is notoriously high, salaries for licensed practical nurses reflect this. The median salary for an LPN in Seattle is $56,750/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $27.28/hour. This edges out the national average of $54,620/year, but the premium isn't as large as you might expect given the city's cost.

Seattle's healthcare sector is robust, with a current metro area count of 1,510 LPN jobs. The 10-year job growth is projected at 5%, a steady, stable rate that indicates consistent demand, especially as the population continues to age.

Here’s how experience typically breaks down for LPNs in the Seattle area. Keep in mind that specialties, shift differentials (nights/weekends), and the type of facility can push these numbers higher.

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Seattle Salary Range (Annual)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$50,000 - $54,000
Mid-Career	2-5 years	$55,000 - $60,000
Senior	5-10 years	$61,000 - $68,000
Expert/Specialized	10+ years	$69,000+ (can exceed $75k with specialty certs)

How Seattle Compares to Other Washington Cities:
Washington State is a strong market for LPNs. Seattle, as the largest metro, offers the highest median salary, but also the highest cost of living.

• Spokane: Median salary is closer to $52,000/year, with a significantly lower cost of living.
• Tacoma/Olympia: Salaries are often within 5-10% of Seattle's median, but housing costs are more manageable.
• Bellingham: A smaller market with salaries around $53,000-$55,000/year, popular for its lifestyle but with a competitive housing market.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base salary. Many Seattle-area hospitals (like Swedish, Virginia Mason, and UW Medicine) offer sign-on bonuses for LPNs, particularly in skilled nursing facilities and long-term care. These can range from $3,000 to $7,500. Always ask about shift differentials—working nights or weekends can add $2-$4/hour to your base rate.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about the numbers. A $56,750 salary sounds decent, but how far does it go in Seattle?

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an LPN Earning $56,750:

• Gross Monthly Income: $4,729
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, FICA, State): ~$1,100 (varies by deductions)
• Estimated Net Take-Home Pay: ~$3,629/month

The Biggest Expense: Rent.
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Seattle is $2,269/month. This is the non-negotiable hurdle.

• Rent: -$2,269
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Transport, Savings: ~$1,360/month

This is a tight but manageable budget. You will need to be disciplined. Living with a roommate, choosing a studio apartment, or living in a suburb can significantly lower your rent burden. For example, a 1-bedroom in Shoreline (north of the city) might average $1,900/month, freeing up over $350/month.

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?
The short answer: probably not on a single LPN salary right now. The median home price in the Seattle metro area is well over $800,000. With a $56,750 income, your maximum purchase price would be around $250,000, which is virtually impossible for a single-family home or condo within city limits. Homeownership is generally a long-term goal achievable only with dual incomes, significant savings, or a move to more affordable exurbs.

Where the Jobs Are: Seattle's Major Employers

Seattle's healthcare landscape is a mix of large hospital systems, community clinics, and long-term care facilities. The majority of LPN roles are in long-term care, rehabilitation centers, and some outpatient settings, as many acute-care hospitals prefer Registered Nurses (RNs) for bedside care.

Here are the major local employers actively hiring LPNs:

1. Providence Health & Services: A massive system with multiple Seattle-area hospitals (like Providence Seattle Medical Center) and numerous long-term care and rehabilitation facilities (e.g., Mount Carmel Guild). They consistently post LPN openings in geriatrics and post-acute care.
2. Swedish Medical Center: Part of the Providence system but a distinct brand. While their inpatient units are RN-heavy, their specialty surgery centers and some outpatient clinics employ LPNs. Their Edmonds campus has a large skilled nursing facility.
3. Kindred Healthcare (now part of Life Care Centers of America): Major player in post-acute care. Their Kindred Hospital Seattle - Fremont and other skilled nursing facilities are frequent employers of LPNs for wound care, medication administration, and patient monitoring.
4. UW Medicine: While their flagship hospitals (Harborview, UW Medical Center) are largely RN/MD environments, UW's Hall Health Center and affiliated clinics sometimes have LPN roles for immunizations and basic patient intake. Their Northwest Hospital & Medical Center has a larger long-term care component.
5. Kaiser Permanente: Their Capitol Hill and Bellevue medical centers are heavily RN/MD, but Kaiser operates skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and rehabilitation centers where LPNs are essential to the care team.
6. Overlake Medical Center & Clinics (Bellevue): A major Eastside employer. Their inpatient rehab and SNF units are prime spots for LPNs. Bellevue's tech economy also fuels demand for outpatient and occupational health clinic roles.

Hiring Trend: The biggest demand is in long-term care (LTC) and rehabilitation facilities. With an aging population, this need will only grow. Home health and hospice agencies are also growing sectors, offering more autonomy but requiring strong time-management skills.

Getting Licensed in WA

If you're moving from another state, you'll need to get a Washington State LPN license from the Washington State Board of Nursing (WSBON). This process is straightforward but requires planning.

Requirements:

1. Graduation: Complete an accredited LPN program.
2. NCLEX-PN Exam: Pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses.
3. Background Check: Submit fingerprints for a state and federal criminal background check.
4. Application: Apply online through the WSBON's Nursy system. You must provide official transcripts and proof of your current license if you're already an LPN in another state.

Timeline & Costs:

• Timeline for New Applicants: If you're a new graduate, the process can take 4-6 weeks after submitting a complete application. For nurses already licensed elsewhere, the "endorsement" process is similar, often taking 3-6 weeks.
• Costs:
  • Application Fee: $125
  • Background Check Fee: $45
  • NCLEX-PN Exam Fee (if taking for first time): $200
  • Total Estimated Cost: ~$370 (not including any fees from your nursing school or prep courses).

Insider Tip: Washington is a compact state (eNLC). If you hold a multi-state LPN license from another compact state (like Idaho, Oregon, or Montana), you can practice in Washington without obtaining a new license. This is a huge advantage for a quick move.

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPNs)

Where you live will define your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here are four areas to consider, balancing rent, commute, and vibe.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It's a Good Fit for an LPN
Roosevelt / North Seattle	Quiet, residential, great local shops. Easy bus lines to UW/Northgate hospitals.	$1,800 - $2,100	More affordable than Capitol Hill. Direct access to I-5 for commutes to North Seattle hospitals or South County.
Beacon Hill	Diverse, family-friendly, stunning city views. Light Rail to downtown & airport.	$1,700 - $2,000	One of the last "affordable" neighborhoods with good transit. Close to Swedish Cherry Hill & Harborview.
Capitol Hill	Walkable, vibrant, nightlife. Central to many clinics and hospitals.	$2,300 - $2,600	If you want to be in the heart of it and minimize driving. High rent but high convenience.
Shoreline (North)	Suburban, quieter, more space. Close to hospitals in Edmonds & North Seattle.	$1,850 - $2,150	A great compromise for a quieter life with a manageable commute. More parking and amenities.
West Seattle (Alki/Junction)	Beachy, community-focused, feels separate from the city.	$2,000 - $2,400	Ideal for those who love outdoor life. Commute can be tough (only 1 bridge), but community is strong.

Insider Tip: Seattle traffic is notoriously bad. If you work at a hospital in South Lake Union (UW Medical Center), consider the Light Rail or a bus route. Living in Beacon Hill or Capitol Hill gives you direct access to the rail line, making your commute more predictable than driving.

The Long Game: Career Growth

For an LPN in Washington, career growth often means specialization or transitioning to an RN. The 10-year outlook for LPNs remains stable at 5% growth, but your personal ceiling can be higher with the right moves.

Specialty Premiums:
LPNs with certifications in high-demand areas can see a salary bump of 10-15%. Key specialties in Seattle include:

• Gerontology/LTC: The most common path. Expertise in dementia care, wound care, and palliative support is invaluable.
• Wound Care Certification (WCC): Highly sought after in SNFs and home health.
• IV Therapy Certification: Allows LPNs to administer IVs, a key skill in outpatient infusion clinics and some hospital units.

Advancement Paths:

1. Lead LPN / Charge Nurse: In LTC facilities, experienced LPNs often take on supervisory roles for CNA staff.
2. Transition to RN: The most common advancement. Many Seattle hospitals (like Swedish & Providence) offer tuition assistance programs for LPNs to get their ADN or BSN. This is the single best investment for long-term salary growth, pushing you toward the $85,000+ RN median salary in Seattle.
3. Public Health or Occupational Health: Moving into workplace safety clinics (common in the tech sector) or public health outreach offers a different pace and often a Monday-Friday schedule.

The Verdict: Is Seattle Right for You?

Seattle offers a strong career foundation for LPNs, but it demands financial savvy.

Pros	Cons
Strong Job Market: 1,510 jobs and steady 5% growth.	High Cost of Living: Rent is the biggest challenge.
Competitive Wages: $56,750 median is above national average.	Traffic & Commutes: Can be stressful and time-consuming.
Career Advancement: Excellent pathways to RN with employer support.	Housing Market: Buying a home on a single LPN salary is very difficult.
Natural Beauty & Amenities: Unmatched access to water, mountains, and parks.	Gloomy Winters: The "drizzle" and short days can affect mood.
Diverse Healthcare Settings: From large hospitals to community clinics.	Transience: The city is constantly changing; some find it lacks long-term roots.

Final Recommendation:
Seattle is a viable and rewarding destination for LPNs who are financially prepared and career-focused. If you are willing to start with a roommate, budget carefully, and see your LPN license as a stepping stone—either to specialized roles or an RN degree—Seattle's healthcare ecosystem will provide ample opportunity. If your primary goal is immediate homeownership on a single income or a low-stress, low-cost lifestyle, other Washington cities like Spokane or Tacoma may be a better fit.

FAQs

1. Can an LPN work in a Seattle hospital?
Yes, but it's less common than in long-term care. Look for LPN roles in hospital-affiliated skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), rehabilitation units, outpatient infusion centers, or surgical centers. Major inpatient units like ICU or Med-Surg are typically staffed by RNs.

2. Is the job market competitive for new LPN graduates?
The market is competitive for new grads, but not impossible. The key is flexibility. Be open to working in long-term care or swing shifts (3 PM - 11 PM). Gaining 1-2 years of experience in a SNF will make you highly desirable for other roles later.

3. What's the real impact of Washington's state income tax?
It's a major financial advantage. Washington has no state income tax. This means your $56,750 salary goes further than it would in Oregon (which has a 9% state income tax) or California. This helps offset the high cost of living.

4. How do I find a job before I move?
Use local job boards like Providence's and Swedish's career sites, Indeed, and LinkedIN. Filter for "Seattle, WA" and "Licensed Practical Nurse." Many employers, especially in LTC, are open to phone interviews and may offer relocation assistance for experienced nurses. It's also wise to join the Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA) for networking and job listings.

5. Is it better to live in Seattle proper or the suburbs?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle proper offers a shorter commute if you work in the city and a vibrant social life, but rent is highest. Suburbs like Shoreline, Bellevue, or Renton offer more square footage and lower rent, but you must budget for a longer commute and car expenses (gas, insurance, parking). Weigh your daily commute tolerance against your housing budget.